DISPELLING ANOTHER MYTH

Here another myth which is often perpetuated by Rugby League supporters, coaches, administrators and the Rugby League media in this country.

"WE ARE CATCHING THE AUSSIES UP"

During the Stupor League era we haven't, despite the supposed advantages of full-time professionalism. If anything, we've gone backwards and the international gap has widened between GB/England and Australia, and also against New Zealand.

And here is the incontrovertible evidence!

* Includes GB and England results against Australia and New Zealand.
** Also includes results in World Cups.

Test Results V Australia (SL era, 22 tests, 1996-2009)
Played 22
Won 4
Drawn 0
Lost 18
Points for 285
Points against 641

Test Results V Australia (Pre SL era, previous 22 Tests, 1984-1995)
Played 22
Won 5
Drawn 0
Lost 17
Points for 242
Points against 447

Test Results V New Zealand (SL era, 24 tests, 1996-2009)
Played 24
Won 9
Drawn 2
Lost 13
Points for 484
Points against 547

Test Results V New Zealand (Pre SL era, previous 24 Tests, 1979-1995)
Played 24
Won 12
Drawn 2
Lost 10
Points for 377
Points against 318


It's also worth noting that during the SL era, we've played far more tests against Australia and New Zealand with home advantage.

Test Results V Australia (SL era, 22 tests, 1996-2009)
Home - P17 W3 D0 L14 F232 A438
Away - P5 W1 D0 L4 F53 A203
Total - P22 W4 D0 L18 F285 A641

Test Results V Australia (Pre SL era, previous 22 Tests, 1984-1995)
Home - P13 W3 D0 L10 F126 A273
Away - P9 W2 D0 L7 F116 A174
Total - P22 W5 D0 L17 F242 A447

Test Results V New Zealand (SL era, 24 tests, 1996-2009)
Home - P16 W9 D2 L5 F377 A334
Away - P8 W0 D0 L8 F107 A213
Total - P24 W9 D2 L13 F484 A547

Test Results V New Zealand (Pre SL era, previous 24 Tests, 1979-1995)
Home - P12 W7 D2 L3 F212 A124
Away - P12 W5 D0 L7 F165 A194
Total - P24 W12 D2 L10 F377 A318